Transcription Systems

A transcription system is the collective result of transcript notations that allow a researcher to understand and describe items present in data regarding language present in talk transcribed from audio or video files. Transcription is the process of recording language taken from an audio or video recording and putting the language in writing. The transition from dynamic sound, pattern, tone, and cadence of the spoken word to the written word creates a static record of the words used by the speaker. Communication scholars recognize[Page 1777] there exists more to understanding communication beyond written words. Paralinguistic elements provide additional insights into interpretation and understanding of the data. How words are stated, their order, the language used, and other items all provide clues that assist with interpreting the data. Each notation is selected to represent additional items that when connected to the language written on the page of a static transcript provide more understanding of variations present in nonverbal communication occurring within the text of the audio or video file. No one certain transcription system exists. Often choices for the creation of transcript notations are guided by the research question and focus on the aspects of language or conversation under investigation.

A transcription system applied to the analysis of transcripts allows for a richer understanding of the communication encounter present on the page or computer screen. The initial written rendition of the spoken words allows the researcher an opportunity to review and listen to the data multiple times for the purpose of noting, confirming, and clarifying nonverbal and other activities beyond the words present in the data, and assists with analysis. Regardless of the transcription system used, no written record of the spoken word can fully capture all elements of the interaction. Yet with careful attention to details outlined within a researcher’s goal, the transcription system may come close to covering many elements of how words are spoken and elements of other nonverbal activities. This entry introduces transcription systems. Attention is paid to different elements of the spoken word and items occurring alongside the spoken word that a researcher may choose to include when transcribing talk or video into written text. This entry concludes with one example of a transcription system.